Paris, Tenn.- The Metro Crime Unit arrested a Paris man after marijuana and drug paraphernalia was found in his home.

Arrested was Christopher G. Britt, age 42, of 603 W. Blythe St., on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the police report, the Metro unit, including Henry County Sheriff’s deputies and Paris Police, conducted the search at Britt’s home Thursday night and found 122 grams of marijuana, digital scales, plastic bags and $150 in drug proceeds.

His bond was set at $1,000.

PD to Conduct Checks Over Weekend

Paris, Tenn.-Paris Police Chief Chuck Elizondo has announced his department will conduct safety and sobriety checks in Paris over the Labor Day weekend.

Elizondo said the checkpoints will be in place through Monday and will target impaired drivers. They also will check to make sure vehicle safety laws are being met. He said, “All safety and impaired driver violations will be strictly enforced.”

Harrelson School Holds Open House

Puryear, Tenn.- Title I teacher Lisa Hart, standing left, speaks with Harrelson parent Ashley Wofford, at the school's Open House. Parents and students were invited to a hot dog and ice cream social and also participated in a presentation about the school year expectations, Title I, and Common Core State Standards. (Susan Burton photo).

Angel Food Ministry Founders Sentenced

Monroe, Ga.-In a case that will interest people in the local area, a federal judge has sentenced the founder of Angel Food Ministries and his son to seven years in federal prison on money laundering and conspiracy charges.

Angel Food Ministries was a Monroe, Ga.-based non-profit organization that was a popular resource for people locally. The organization was intended to provide food to the poor at discounted prices.

The Ministry was served search warrants and raided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service on February 11, 2009 due to an eventual December 2, 2011 disclosure by the FBI of a 49-count indictment.

The charity was founded in 1994 and the Wingo family was given a $7 million low-interest loan from the United States Department of Agriculture in 2005.

Founder Wesley Joseph Wingo, 64, and his son, Andrew, 40, were sentenced in U.S. District Court. Wingo’s wife — and the organization’s co-founder — Linda Wingo, 64, was sentenced to five years of probation for concealing evidence of criminal activity.

According to investigators, Wesley Wingo used millions of the Ministry’s money to buy jewelry, cars and gambling trips. According to The Tennessean, he admitted to investigators he used his position with the charity for personal gain and allowed others in his family to do so, as well.

HCMC To Offer AARP Driver's Safety Program In September
Paris, Tenn.- Henry County Medical Center will host an AARP Safe Driver’s Class Monday and Tuesday September 16 and 17. The class will run 9am to 1pm both days in classrooms 2 and 3 and the medical center. The hospital will also serve a light breakfast. Both sessions must be attended and the cost is $12 for AARP members and $15 for non-members with checks made payable to AARP.

By the taking the course, citizens will learn how to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots, maintain proper following distance behind another car, effects of medications on driving, and other things.

Participants in the course may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course so you are urged to contact your agent.

The AARP Driver Safety Program has helped millions of drivers stay safe on the roads since its inception in 1979. Although it is geared to drivers 50 and older, the course is open to people of all ages and AARP membership is not required to take the course. There will be no test to pass in the course either.

To register for the course call HCMC at 644-3463 or toll free 800-246-2508. If you want to take the online course, visit aarpdriversafety.org. Fees for the online course are $15.95 for AARP members and $19.95 for non members.

Upon completion of the course you will receive a certificate that can be presented to your insurance agent that can often result in reducing your premiums.

WG Rhea Library Upcoming Events
Paris, Tenn.- The WG Rhea Public Library preschool story hours will resume Thursday September 5th in the children’s room from 10-11am. Children who can sit on laps of adults up to 5 years of age can attend.

The WG Rhea Library also reminds you library cards are mandatory to check out books and for students who might need to be ready for school papers or e-books the first library card is free if you don’t have one. When an adult brings a child in for a first time library card, or vice versa, from September 2 thru 30th, both will be registered to win a $25 Walmart card that will be given away October 1. Call the library for more information at 642-1702.

State Medical Examiner Rules In Death of Teaisa SomervilleFindings Show Cause of Death was Natural

Paris, Tenn.- The cause of death of a 10-year-old girl who died in July has been determined, according to a press release from the Paris Police Department. According to the release, the State Medical Examiner’s office returned its findings on the cause of death of Teaisa Somerville.

Paris Police responded to 1004 Dunlap Street on Tuesday morning July 9, 2013, to treat the 10-year-old girl who was discovered unresponsive. She was transported to the Henry County Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

The State Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be natural with the cause of death acute myocarditis, most likely of viral etiology according to the Officer of the Medical Examiner. No evidence of trauma or injury was found.

The findings were reviewed by the TBI, Paris PD, and District Attorney’s office. All agencies concurred that no crime occurred with the death of this child.

East Wood Church of Christ to Hold Child Safety Seat Checkup

Paris, Tenn.- East Wood Church of Christ will have a free carseat checkup event Saturday September 14th from 10am to 12 noon at the church located at 800 East Wood Street in Paris.

Reports indicate more than 80% of Child Safety seats are installed and/or used incorrectly. Car Crashes are the #1 killer of kids ages 1-13 years in the United States.

East Wood Church of Christ will have CPS certified techs on hand inspecting and properly installing car seats. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will also be on site to answer questions and refreshments will be served.

Kickoff Against Beech at 7:30 Friday Night

Hendersonville, Tenn.- It’s week 1 of the high school football season and Henry County will travel to Hendersonville this evening to battle Beech in a highly anticipated matchup with two of the state’s top teams in class 5A. Tonight’s game has been moved to a 7:30pm start as Beech moved the time to allow more fans to make the trip. If you can’t make the trip to Beech you can listen to our broadcast starting at 7pm with the pregame show on WLZK 94.1FM and online at wmufradio.com.

Patriots Lose Nail-biter with Clarksville High on the Golf Course

Paris, Tenn.- Henry County competed in golf against Clarksville High Thursday at Paris Landing. In ladies action, the girls lost to Clarksville as they shot a 93 to the Wildcats 75. Individual scores for the Lady Patriots were Brittany Martin with a 45 and Holly Dial with a 50.

For the Patriots, they were edged by Clarksville 164 to 166. Individual scores for the Patriots were Evan Todd with a 39, Chase Hill 39, Jamison Hayes 43, and Hunter Bethune 45.

Henry County to Participate in "No Refusal" Enforcement Campaign

Law Enforcement Out in Full Force Over the Labor Day Weekend

Nashville-
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security along with the Tennessee Highway Patrol have announced plans for a “No Refusal” enforcement campaign during this Labor Day which runs from 6pm Friday night until 11:59am Monday night.

The “No Refusal” enforcement campaign will be conducted in 11 counties across the state, including Henry County, and its aimed at deterring impaired driving and reducing fatal crashes on roadways in the Volunteer state. The “No Refusal” legislation allows law enforcement officials to seek search warrants for blood samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers.

During the 2012 Labor Day holiday, 12 people were killed in 11 fatal crashes on Tennessee highways. That’s the same as the 11 vehicular fatalities in 2010. Last year alcohol was involved in two of the fatalities and 64% of vehicle occupants killed were not wearing safety belts.

So far in 2013, state troopers have arrested over 37 hundred people for impaired driving which is up over 300 from the same time frame in 2012. The preliminary number of alcohol-related crashes has gone down in Tennessee so far in 2013 however. There have been 361 fewer crashes from January thru July this year compared to 2012. Overall deaths on roadways in the Volunteer state has slightly decreased so far this year as 630 people have died from January 1 thru August 27th compared to 684 people in the same time frame in 2012.

Paris Fire Department Puts out Guthrie Road Mobile Home Fire

Paris, Tenn.- The Paris Fire Department responded to a mobile home on fire at 235 Guthrie Road in early morning hours on Thursday. They arrived to find flames coming out from the front part of the house. They extinguished the blaze and check to see if there were any occupants of the home, which there were not.

A report at the Paris Police Department stated that Ptl. Jordan Klutts of the Paris Police Department arrested Jesse Keele, age 21, of 3707 Highway 79 N., for simple possession of schedule two drug after cocaine was found in the vehicle when Keele had a wreck.

Highway Department To Close Fairgrounds Rd. Tuesday

Paris, Tenn.- The Henry County Highway Department will close Fairgrounds on Tuesday September 3rd beginning at 7am for culvert replacement. The closure will be one tenth of a mile west of highway 218 bypass. Highway 218 will be the alternate route. The road should be open by Tuesday evening traffic.

Paris, Tenn.- Marijuana plants worth several thousand dollars on the street were confiscated Wednesday morning from a field in the Como area by the Henry County Sheriff's Office working with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Metro Crime Unit and agents with the Alcohol Beverage Commission.

The plants were spotted by Tennessee Highway Patrol Pilot Lee Russell who flew over the area at the request of the sheriff's office.

The marijuana plants were found as the Sheriff Office's Criminal Investigation Division was working on a theft and vandalism case in the Barnett Rd. area of the county. CID investigator David Doyle received information that there was some marijuana being grown in the area.

At that point, Russell was contacted and flew over the area, spotting the plants. The Sheriff's Office responded, along with Deputy Wayne Fuqua and his K-9 partner Cisco. Attempts were made with the K-9 to track back from the marijuana plants to the location where entry was made, according to Captain Damon Lowe.

During the track, Lowe said, several more plants were located along the trail. "At this time an arrest has not been made but the investigation is still ongoing and will be lead by the Metro Crime Unit", he said.

Approximately 15 plants were seized worth several thousands of dollars on the street.

Sheriff Monte Belew said, "If area residents see a helicopter flying around for the next several days, there is no need to panic because it's only the THP Governor Marijuana task force. Unless, of course you are growing marijuana, then we will be visiting you."

Paris Tri to Receive Escort for National Contest Thursday

Paris, Tenn.-The Paris Triathlon Team will receive a formal escort by the Henry County Sheriffs office Thursday, August 29 as it leaves Paris for its competition in the Iron Kids Youth Triathlon National Championships in Des Moines Iowa on Saturday, August 31.

The Caravan will leave from the Paris Civic Center at 3:10 p.m. Thursday, go down Volunteer Drive then up 641 N.

WLZK Debuts Scoreboard Show on Friday Nights

Paris, Tenn.-Our radio station WLZK FM (94.1 on your dial) will be airing a live call-in show each Friday night after the Henry County Patriots' football games. The Lakeway IGA Scoreboard Show is hosted by Alex Aubuchon, who will be familiar to our listeners. Last year, Aubuchon engineered the football games and has done play-by-play and analysis for local high school football and basketball games that we air.

The first show aired last Friday and Aubuchon said he will be reporting on all the high school scores from across the state, paying close attention to our district and area schools. He also will take calls from listeners who want to voice their opinions on local and area games.

Listeners can call 642-9455 during the shows, which air immediately following each game this season. The games also are aired on WLZK. This Friday night Henry County plays Beech at Beech, with the pre-game show beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Bargain Highway Even Bigger This Year

Event Includes BBQ Cook-Off, Free Concert and Sales on Courtsquare

Camden, Tenn.-You know that when the long Labor Day weekend comes around, that means it's time for the annual Bargain Highway and this year it will be bigger than ever.

The Bargain Highway packs some 200 (or more) yard sales and shoppers along U.S. 641 and Tennessee 69A every Labor Day weekend. And this year’s event will include a BBQ cook-off, free concert and a community yard sale planned on the Benton County court square in Camden.

The Bargain Highway began some 11 years ago and was patterned after the mammoth U.S. 127 giant yard sale that stretches from Michigan through Tennessee and Alabama each year.

New Benton County Chamber of Commerce Director Sara Kilgore said there will be plenty of new events this year that will draw even more people and attention to the Bargain Highway.

“One of the main additions for this year is a community sale we’re having on the court square,” Kilgore said. “That’s for all the people who want to participate with a sale, but aren’t located on the route. We’re going to rope off the streets off of the square and have spaces available for people wanting to have their sales there.”

Spaces will be available on a fee schedule: $25 for out-of-county residents; $15 for in-county residents; and $10 for Chamber members.

The courthouse will be open Friday, so the community sale will begin around 6 p.m. that day and remain on the court square until 10 a.m. Sunday.

In addition, a BBQ Cook-Off also will be held in conjunction with the Bargain Highway this year, Kilgore said. “We’ll have four primary categories: shoulder, chicken, ribs and an anything butt category. And then, we’ll also have a contest for hot wings.”

The cook-off will begin Friday night, with the cookers set up and contestants cooking all night. The public will be able to sample the BBQ and vote on a Peoples’ Choice Champ, she said, “and we’ll start the public tasting at noon Saturday.”

A concert will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday on the court square and will feature David Ball, Jim Joy and other musicians. People should bring their lawn chairs for that, Kilgore said.

Also new this year is the availability of maps that will be free to the public through the Chamber office. The maps will include ‘tons of coupons’, she said, and will include a listing of sales on the route. The maps will be dispersed throughout the route, at the Chamber office, and at the Chamber booth on the court square.

As part of the Bargain Highway itself, a popular feature will remain this year, she said--the $1,000 giveaway. Yard sales on the route can be designated as spots where shoppers can register for the giveaway, she said, and at the end of the weekend, a drawing will be held and one lucky shopper will receive the $1,000.

For more information, call the Chamber at 731-584-8395.

Gov. Haslam Creates Task Force on Aging

Paris, Tenn.- Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced the formation of the Task Force on Aging, a group charged with creating a plan to improve the lives an care of older Tennesseans and their families through a collaboration of public, private, and nonprofit leaders.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 14% of Tennesseans are age 65 or older, while the national average is 13.7%. Tennessee’s number of citizens over 65 is expected to grow to 22% by 2020.

Haslam asked the tasked force to focus on three areas: promoting healthy aging, creating liveable communities, and supporting family caregivers. He said,

“I want to thank the task force and all those involved for dedicating their time and effort to improving the lives of others. The task force on aging will develop a strategic plan, drawing on the public, private, and non-profit sectors to better meet the needs of older citizens and their families, now and into the future.”

The Henry County delegation to State 4-H Roundup was small this year, but they made a big impact. Attending the state project competition was senior Brigitte Passman and sophomore Shelia Lamb. State Roundup, held at UT Knoxville, is the final competition for 4-H members that have worked hard on their project portfolios each year.

Finalists are chosen from each region to attend Roundup, where they take part in an interview process as part of their project competition. Scores from their project portfolios and interviews are combined for the awards, which vary from each project, but often include scholarships and trips to national events. Brigitte Passman competed in the Computers and Technology project, which she has been competing in since junior high. Brigitte was the state winner in the project, outscoring other competitors in both the portfolio and interview competition. This year was Shelia Lamb’s first year to compete in the Personal Development project. She received excellent scores for her first year in the project, and came out fifth overall in the competition.

In addition to project competition, Vol State recipients are recognized. The Vol State award is the highest level of recognition a Tennessee 4-H member may achieve. Vol State is presented to high school juniors and seniors in recognition of excellence in a phases of 4-H work, as well as service and leadership rendered in their communities. Brigitte Passman was Henry County’s nomination and received the Vol State award on the final night of Roundup.

Scholarship presentations are also a big part of State 4-H Roundup. Senior members apply for a number of scholarships in May, and those are awarded at Roundup. Henry County had two scholarship recipients this year, both very deserving young ladies that have worked hard in the 4-H program. Brandi McDonald received the African American scholarship. Brigitte Passman received the Arthur Wells Memorial Scholarship. The scholarships are open to 4-H members from across the state, and awarded based on 4-H accomplishments, academic achievements and financial need.

4-H is a national youth development organization managed in Tennessee by UT Extension. UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the UT Institute of Agriculture. With an office in every Tennessee county, UT Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information to citizens throughout the state. In cooperation with Tennessee State University, UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels. For more information about the 4-H program, call the Henry County UT Extension office at 642-2941.

Brigitte Passman receives the Vol State Award.

Registration Open Soon for Handy Manny Event

Paris, Tenn.-Handy Manny will be going country this year at the annual W.G. Rhea Public Library's popular event for boys. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, September 21, and each boy must be accompanied by an adult male.

The event is for boys aged 4-8 and the event is limited to 30 boys this year.

Registration will open September 1. Call the library at 642-1702 to register.

Milder, Wetter Summer Causes Sales To Drop for BPUEtheridge Reports Financials Still in Good Shape

Paris, Tenn.- The board of directors of the Paris Board of Public Utilities met Tuesday afternoon and general manager John Etheridge said the mild and wet summer has shown sales decreases in both the electric and water departments compared to last July.

Etheridge told the board that sales for this July were down $500K compared to last July, mostly due overall cooler temperatures in the month. He said the electric department still showed positive net income and improved cash position. The expenses were kept in line for the month.

Sales were also down in the water department about $10K for July because of the large amounts of rainfall we’ve had most of the summer. Water department numbers were still in good shape however even with decreases in sales and positive net income for the month.

Due to the sewer cap, sales in the waste water were not affected by the wet weather and actually were slightly up in July. Etheridge also said cash is in good position in the wastewater department as well.

AMI Metering Project Near Completion, BPU Still Seeking Land

Paris, Tenn.- Water and Wastewater Supervisor Terry Wimberly told the BPU board on Tuesday that the bulk of the AMI water meter project was complete and they are reading meters with the drive by system now. He said they began installing new meters in January and almost 5100 meters had been changed out. Wimberly said everything went very smoothly and they had very little problems. The AMI metering is cutting down time as they were able to read 1800 meters in one day with one person.

Etheridge informed the board that the Emerson site property was not a good fit for the building of the new electric warehouse so they are currently looking for other property. They are also still in the works for the land acquisition for a new North Paris substation and might have more on both issues at the September board meeting.

Still Seats Available for Fan Bus Going to Beech

Paris, Tenn.- There will be a fan bus going to Beech this week for the Patriots football game. Call 642-0860 to reserve your spot or stop by West Tennessee MotorCoach office at 901 Industrial Road. The accept cash, credit card, or check. The cost is $25 for the seat on the bus, but that price does not include a game ticket.

Friday night’s game will start with a 7:30pm kick-off as Beech High School agreed to push the time back to allow citizens from Henry County to make it to the kickoff. Of course if you can’t make it to the game, listen to our broadcast on WLZK 94.1FM or streaming at our website, wmufradio.com.

Hospital's 60th Anniversary Reception 2-4 Wednesday

Paris, Tenn.- An Anniversary Reception will be held from 2-4 Wednesday afternoon in the cafeteria at the Henry County Medical Center as the hospital celebrates is 60th year of operation today. Henry County Medical Center first opened on August 28th 1953. Departments have prepared, “Then and Now” boards to depict the changes that have came since the first year of operation. Cake and punch will be served and the public is invited to stop by the reception.

McKenzie, Tenn.-To receive the expertise of the actress who won a Best Actress Tony for the play you are preparing to perform is an opportunity not too many college theater troupes have.

This semester the cast of “Doubt” at Bethel University got the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with Paris Native Cherry Jones, who won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress for her work in “Doubt”.

“To be a college student and to have the opportunity to work with someone who originated the role has left me speechless,” Faye Taylor, who is playing Sister Aloysius in the Bethel production, said. “ Her depth and capacity to create a life out of the words on a page gave me an unexplainable inspiration toward acting.”

Jones gave the cast notes and shared her elaborate backstory behind the character of Sister Aloysius. Providing a first hand perspective, she was able to prepare the cast for how to deal with the audience, and their reaction to the show.

“Play Aloysius rigid and unyielding, and with 100% certainty” Jones told them. “One-third of the audience will side with Aloysius, one-third will side with Flynn and one-third will be left scratching their head, and that is the beauty of this production.”

The play is set in 1964, at St. Nicolas Catholic Church and Elementary School in the Bronx. The crisply-written play focuses on the conversations between Sister Aloysius (Faye Taylor, Senior), the strict school principal, a more progressive and kindhearted Sister James (Chelsea Fuller, Senior) and Father Flynn (Jamie Sullivan, Senior), who is also the new-age parish priest.

Once Sister Aloysius suspects Father Flynn of molesting the school’s only African-American student, Donald Muller, she is determined to have Flynn removed from the school. In his defense, Father Flynn reminds Sister Aloysius “even if you feel certainty, it is an emotion and not a fact.” The audience is also introduced to Donald Muller’s cunning mother Mrs. Muller (Alexis Ward, Sophomore).

“I am thrilled for the opportunity and challenge of directing this complex production,” Travis McLeese, Director of Renaissance Relations who is directing this production, said. “I remember seeing the production and walking out of the theatre speechless.”

The Bethel cast is set to present the award winning play “Doubt” A Parable, written by John Patrick Stanley September 13 & 14 at 7:00 pm at the Bethel Performing Arts Center.

Jones is preparing her return to Broadway in September as Amanda Wingfield in a revival of “The Glass Menagerie,” which had a much-praised run this winter at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Mass. The Broadway run is currently set to run through early January 2014

Tickets for Doubt are $10. All Bethel Faculty, Staff and Students receive free admission with Bethel ID. For more information or to reserve your tickets contact the Renaissance Office at 731-393-0405.

County Preparing for Battle with Asian Carp Problem

Possible Carp Tournament Coming this Fall

Paris, Tenn.- County Mayor Brent Greer informed the TRRA board on Monday at their meeting that the county is looking at issues surrounding the booming Asian Carp population that is in Kentucky Lake. Mayor Greer said that he will be meeting soon with TWRA head of fisheries, a select number of key fishermen, and state representatives about an opportunity for an Asian Carp Tournament to be held at Paris Landing later this fall.

Mayor Greer said the TRRA would fund the tournament, but the state would help advertise it to possibly help reduce the number of Asian Carp, which feed of the plankton and limit the prospering of other fish the waters. The prize money would be awarded based on the number of pounds of Asian carp the fisherman catch.

Greer also discussed the possibility that a Asian Carp processing plant could be looked at for the area as well. He said Kentucky had just opened one north of Wickliffe. The key here is to let commercial fisherman know there is a market for the Asian Carp in the waters of Paris Landing. He said China is where the majority of consumption is for the fish, and they break down rather quickly once caught, so they must either be processed and flash froze or canned in order to be able to sell them for consumption.

Mayor Greer said he would come back to the board should the need for funding of the Asian Carp tournament comes up in the next few weeks. He would also keep them posted on other developments with the battle against Asian Carp.

More Vandalism at Paris City Cemetery

Paris, Tenn.-Paris Police Chief Chuck Elizondo said his department will again be stepping up patrols at the historic Paris City Cemetery following another round of vandalism to numerous tombstones. The tops of several tombstones are now missing and other tombstones are in pieces or have been toppled. (Shannon McFarlin photos).

Passman Receives State Volunteer Leader Award

Knoxville, Tenn.- Tina Passman of Paris was recognized with the state volunteer leader award at this year’s State 4-H Roundup, at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This program gives recognition to an outstanding volunteer leader who has served five or more years.

Mrs. Passman has been a tireless volunteer on the county, Western region and state level. She has recently completed a three year term as a member of the state volunteer leader’s committee. She has traveled all over the state and southern region as a volunteer at 4-H events, representing Henry County and Tennessee 4-H.

She received an engraved plaque sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kant of Blount County. She will also receive a trip to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.

New Photography Classes Offered at The Dixie

Huntingdon, Tenn.- The Dixie Center for Performing Arts has announced a new Academic Enrichment opportunity. Digital Photography classes will begin this Fall under the direction of a celebrated photojournalist Jim Veneman.

Beginning September 9, classes will consist of two sessions each lasting six weeks. The first session of classes will include an Introductory Digital Photography class held on Mondays, while the second session will have an Advanced Digital Photography class on Mondays and Introductory classes being held on Tuesdays. The classes will take place in the Lower Level of The Dixie and participants will use the Academic Enrichment Entrance. Applications will be available on our website by the end of this week at www.Dixiepac.net.

The instructor, Jim Veneman, most recently served as assistant professor and director of visual communication at Union University. Before coming to Union he was photojournalist for LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tennessee for 14 years. He continues to shoot assignments, covering the efforts in Iraq, spending time in Baghdad and on board the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the eastern Mediterranean.

It does not matter what type of camera you have, whether it be a point and shoot, cell phone, or digital SLR camera, you can be a part of this class. For more information on this or any of our other events please call the box office at 731-986-2100. This project is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission

Paris, Tenn.- The Tennessee River Resort Act Committee met on Monday afternoon and approved several funding requests for upcoming events, although some were cut 15% from what they originally requested.

The committee looked at a request from the Downtown Paris Association for a couple of events coming up this year. The DPA presented a total request of $15,790 for the Eyefull of Paris Weekend coming up in September and the Downtown Unwrapped events that run in November and December.

After confusing discussion about cutting it down, the committee did approve it fully at the $15K request.

The board also cut a request by 15% and approved it for funding of the Tennessee Moose Association Mid Year Conference to be held in March of 2014 at Paris Landing. The request was for $5K and the recommendation was for $4K which the board approved. The conference was held at Paris Landing in 2010 and 2011 and wanted to come back in 2014. Hamilton said the groups that come to conference fill up the rooms at Paris Landing and also come into downtown to shop and eat so the event has been a good one.

Strike King Writer's Conference, Tower Tri Fully Funded by TRRA

A full request of $6500 was approved by the TRRA board for the Strike King Lure Outdoor Writer’s Conference to be held in the fall of this year. Hamilton said the top ten bass and crappie fishermen will be brought in along with professional photographers and writers. One of the writers will do a story about Paris Landing, and County Mayor Brent Greer told the board that was the best exposure they could receive for the money.

A $3K request from the Paris Parks Department was approved for the Tower Triathlon, which will be held June 6-7 2014. The event has grown in popularity with several more participants from all over the state and region competing this last June.

The TRRA board also approved the full fund request of $16K for the Crappie USA Super Event that will be held in early April 2015. Hamilton said this is big tournament with 226 anglers and days of practice fishing proceeding the tournament. The board also approved funding the Boss Hoss Rally again for this September. It will be held September 19-21 at Paris Landing. The request was for $43K again, but last year the board only approved $27,200. For this year, they cut that by 15% and approved funding for Boss Hoss in the amount of $23,120.

Couple Arrested for Dunlap Street Burglary

Jeremy Taylor Allison Taylor

Paris, Tenn.-A local couple has been arrested for the burglary and theft at a Dunlap Street residence earlier this month.

Paris Police Investigator Ricky Watson said Monday morning that Jeremy and Allison Taylor, 208 Monroe St., Paris, were arrested Thursday, August 22. The home was burglarized on August 13.

Watson said police were able to recover 80 percent of the property that was stolen. He said he received an anonymous tip that the couple may have stolen the property and he and Investigator Greg Underwood performed a controlled trash pull at their residence and were able to locate some of the stolen goods in the garbage.

With that, Watson was able to have a search warrant drawn up and the warrant was executed Thursday.

Jeremy Taylor, 30, was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of over $10,000; unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia; and drug possession. Allison Taylor, 25, was charged with theft of property over $10,000; unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and drug possession.

Drug Arrest Made on Traffic Stop

Paris, Tenn.- Sgt. David Powell of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a possible drunk driver call on highway 69 where the vehicle was coming out of Benton County. He arrived to find Benton County deputies had pulled the car over just inside the county line. Sgt. Powell talked to the passenger, identified as Kelsey N. Light, age 22, of 2315 Swor Road in Springville. A search of her purse revealed several items used in smoking marijuana.

K-9 Droid was brought to the scene and he alerted on the passenger side door. Another search revealed white substance believed to be methamphetamine. Light was arrested for possession of schedule 2, possession of schedule 4, with intent, possession of legend drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The driver of the vehicle, Eric G. Chapman, was charged for DUI and cited for theft after deputies found some stolen copper wire in a trash can in the vehicle.

Paris city units were dispatched to Chicksaw over the weekend for an altercation between a father and son. The report at the Paris Police Department stated that the son said his father in law, Paul Bucy, age 65 of 1018 Chickasaw, and himself were arguing and then the father-in-law went and got a bat. The son said he tackled Bucy. The juvenile then said Bucy hit him in the knee and ribs with the bat.

Bucy said that the juvenile had grabbed at his throat during the argument and he went to get the bat to protect himself and keep the juvenile from attacking him.
Both men had marks on their bodies the places they told officers the other hit or grabbed them. Bucy was arrested for aggravated assault and the juvenile was cited for domestic assault as a result of the incident.

A theft was reported to Paris Police this weekend from Mandalay Road. The victim said she was moving into an apartment at school for the fall semester and came back to the Mandalay Road apartment and found an Apple Ipad missing and a Playstation 3 console and controllers. The value of the items is over $900. Police have no suspects so far in the incident.

Rusty Relics Event is a Success

Hazel, Ky.-Large crowds were on hand all day Saturday for the first annual Rusty Relics event in Hazel. Antique enthusiastics flocked to the town for sidewalk sales, gift drawings, face painting and more. (Shannon McFarlin photo).

Tickets on Sale for "Glass Menagerie" on Broadway

Cherry Jones to Star

Cherry Jones, center, stars as Amanda Wingfield. Seated at table is Zachary Quinto and on sofa is Celia Keenan-Bolger.

New York City, New York--Tickets are now on sale for the Broadway production of "The Glass Menagerie" starring Paris Native Cherry Jones. The 17-week run begins in previews on September 5. The performances will be at the Booth Theater.

The production is directed by John Tiffany and also stars Zachary Quinto as Wingfield's son; Celia Keenan-Bolger as Laura; and Brian Smith, as the Gentleman Caller.

When the production was performed earlier in Boston, it received rave reviews and progressed to Broadway.

Jones is a two-time Tony Best Actress Winner and also won an Emmy for Best Actress.

Cruise-In Set Tuesday

Paris, Tenn.-The Downtown Paris Association will sponsor a Cruise In at 5:30 on Tuesday, August 27 on the court square in Paris. Gary Morris will provide live music. Perry’s BBQ will offer sandwiches and Cajun Snow cones will have hot dogs and other goodies.

Paris Police Busy Over the Weekend

Paris, Tenn.- Ptl. Steven McClure of the Paris Police Department arrested a woman for drug charges after making a traffic stop on a vehicle when he noticed occupants were not wearing their seatbelts. After asking consent to search the vehicle, the driver said he had to get to a doctors appointment and wouldn’t give consent. Ptl. McClure asked Ptl. Jamie James to bring in K-9 Herum, who alerted positive on the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was done and two pipes were found and an odor of marijuana was detected in the pipes. Marijuana roaches were also found in the car. The passenger of the car, Marissa D. Spicer, age 18, of 920 Riggins Street admitted to these drug items being hers. She was arrested and charged with possession of schedule six drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sgt. Ean Reed of the Paris Police Department will be drawing warrants for theft over $1,000 on an employee of a local convenience store. The report at the Paris Police Department stated Sgt. Reed responded to the store where the manager said over the last couple of months video shows an employee, Genning M. Burnett, age 39 of 345 Harrison Street, has been giving merchandise to customers and taking cash out of the drawer. Burnett had admitted in writing to doing both of these things. When talking to Sgt. Reed she admitted to taking cash and giving merchandise to customers. Warrants on Burnett for theft will be drawn.

Krider Idol Auditions To Be September 148th Annual Competition to Take place October 12

Paris, Tenn.- Auditions for the 8th Annual Krider Idol will be held Saturday September 14 from 10 am until noon in Mrs. Minette Veazey’s classroom at Paris Elementary School. Krider Idol is the primary fundraiser for the Youth for the Arts Enrichment Fund and students ages 9-18 are invited to come to the stage and compete for the crown of Krider Idol for this year. There is also a group category for two or more performers. For more information contact Mrs. Veazey at 642-3675.

The 8th annual Krider Idol is set for Saturday October 12 at KPAC. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Arts Council Office, Paris Elementary School, Henry County High School or from board member and Art Teacher at HCHS Greg Chandler. The show will begin at 7pm.

The Heat Is On- 90s Expected All Week It was hot and humid Sunday as temps were close to 90.

Heat index values were at 99 part of the afternoon. Hot

weather is expected to stick around all week. (Tim Alsobrooks photo)

Paris, Tenn.- After a somewhat mild summer, August is closing out with much hotter temperatures then we saw in the early part of the month. The last few days in the area have seen temps around 90 with heat index values on Sunday at 100. The forecast from now until Labor Day has temperatures hovering from 90 early this week, to the mid and possible upper 90s by Labor Day weekend.

County Unemployment Numbers Released

Henry County sees slight drop in unemployment rate

Nashville- County Unemployment numbers were released last week and numbers show unemployment rates decreased in 79 of the state’s 95 counties.

Williamson County and Scott County once again held the top and bottom position, with Williamson County have the lowest rate at 5.8% and Scott County coming in with the highest at 17.2%. A county in our listening area came in 2nd from the bottom, Weakley County’s unemployment rate for July was 14.3%.

Henry County’s July unemployment rate was 11%, down .2% from June’s rate, but still up .7% from July of 2012. The numbers equate to 1,510 of Henry County’s estimated labor force of 13,790 that were looking for a job last month.

Of Benton County’s estimated work force of 6,950 people, about 760 of them were looking for work in July which equals a 10.9% unemployment rate. That rate for Benton County this July is down .3% from June and .3% from July of 2012.

Carroll County’s July unemployment rate was 12.4%, which is down .2% from June and still up .6% from July of 2012. Carroll County’s has an estimated work force of 13,940 and over 1700 were looking for work last month.

Arts Round the Square Seeks Artists

Paris, Tenn.- The Eye Full of Paris Weekend is slated for the last full weekend in September and the center piece of the weekend, Arts Round the Square, has issued a call for artists. Artists of all media are encouraged to show, sell, and demonstrate their wares during the Arts Round the Square event, which will be held 10-4 on Saturday September 28th in downtown Paris.

Artists who are interested in being a part of the annual event can obtain registration forms via the Arts Council’s website, www.phcarts.com. The deadline for early registration is Friday August 30th.

Arts Round the Square usually draws a large number of local and regional artists including painters, potters, fabric, and stained glass artists. There will also be live music, interactive art and music, and children’s theatre performances at the event.

It all coincides with Eye-Full of Paris Weekend, Friday September 27 thru Sunday September 29th. For more information on participating in Arts Round the Square call Arts Council Director Kat Tolley at 642-3955.

Patriots Battle Back and Defeat LIberty 40-21

Big Red Scores 27 Unanswered Points

Shontel Thompson breaks free for long punt

return. Thompson had two punt returns for 58

total yards Friday night. (Tim Pharr photo)

Paris, Tenn.- Henry County finally wore down Liberty in the opening game of the 2013 high school football season and came out victorious 40-21 after trailing into the third quarter.

The Pats found themselves down 21-13 early in the third quarter, but they scored 27 unanswered points to get the non district win. Chase Henderson scored three touchdowns for the Patriots and Nathaniel Godbott scored two touchdowns.

Henry County will travel to Hendersonville and battle Beech next Friday night. The kickoff will be 7:30pm due to the longer travel to the Patriots next week. Our broadcast will air at 7pm with the pregame show on WLZK 94.1FM and streamed via our website wmufradio.com.

#33 Nathan Scott breaks free against Liberty. (Pharr photo)

Citizens Police Academy Accepting Applications

Academy Will Run 10 Weeks Starting Sept. 17th

Paris, Tenn.- Applications are currently available at the Paris Police Department, Paris city hall, and Henry County Sheriff’s Office for a Citizens Police Academy that will be conducted over a 10 week period starting September 17th.

The cost is $30 and will include a T-shirt and class size is limited to the 25 participants. Paris Police Chief Chuck Elizondo said applicants will be chosen based on the applications and back ground check, just as they do when hiring a police officer and he encourages anyone interested to apply early.

Class for the citizen’s police academy will be held on Tuesdays at 6pm for ten weeks, except on week 3 which will be held Saturday morning at the firing range. The first class will be held at the jail and then locations of each class after that will be announced during class.

Chief Elizondo said the purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to open lines of communication between the community and officers to see all the different aspects of the job that officers take on each day. Citizens who are accepted into the Citizen’s Police Academy will see different tasks officers handle such as court cases, traffic stop demos, school resource, and more.

Applications will be accepted until 25 participants are selected. Call the Paris Police Department of Henry County Sheriff’s Office for more information.

Girls Scouts to Hold Tri-County Registration Event Sunday 2-4

Paris, Tenn.- The Henry County Girl Scout Service Unit is hosting a tri-county registration event for new and returning Girl Scouts this Sunday from 2-4pm at Paris Elementary. Any girl kindergarten thru 12th grades in Henry, Carroll, and Benton Counties can register in the PES cafeteria during this time Sunday afternoon. A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the registration form. For questions call Lesley Jones, service unit manager or email her at hcgirlscouts@gmail.com.

HCMC Avoids Numerous Layoffs as Reductions are Made

Employees take early retirement, reduced paid time off

Paris, Tenn.- The Henry County Medical Center Board of Trustees met on Thursday night and administrator and CEO of the medical center Tom Gee told the board that salary cost reductions that were brought up at last month’s meeting were implemented with minimal layoffs.

Last month, due to declining volumes, sequestration, and the coming Affordable Care Act, Gee told the board layoffs were a good possibilities. But in his administrative comments, Gee explained that the medical center was able to offer early retirement severance that attracted several staff and reduced other staff through attrition and reduced paid time off for staff the next ten pay periods. Gee said a couple of layoffs are still possible over the next few weeks, but hopes are to avoid those as well.

Gee said layoffs have been announced at hospitals across the state as volumes continue to drop and more and more businesses, individuals, and medical centers prepare for the implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act. Vanderbilt, Murray Calloway County, and Gateway in Clarksville are all area hospitals that have announced big layoffs recently. THA reported earlier this month that 68% of Tennessee hospitals are losing money on patient care operations.

Hospital Gets Extra Payment Because of Good Customer Service

The board also learned that the hospital has been notified they exceeded the Value Based Purchasing scores necessary to once again receive a bonus payment for good quality and customer service scores. The result could be an approximately $28,500 additional payment.

Gee reported to the board the TennCare Vision taskforce continues to meet to hear plans the state is making to introduce episodes of care starting in January. The Tennessee Hospital Association has concerns about the development and implementation of the program.

Concerns continue to be expressed by the THA about Medicaid expansion and healthcare exchanges in Tennessee. Gee said they are asking for changes to be made in observation admission policies and the area wage index for calculating Medicare payments. Rural Tennessee has one of the lowest wage rates in the United States.

EMS Continues to Improve on Bottom Line

During the EMS Board portion of the medical center board meeting Thursday night, assistant director Twila Rose reported that director Mike Shankle’s health is continuing to improve. He had a very good report and is goes back for a check up in three months. She said he has been told to take it slow and easy but the news was good.

EMS financials showed a loss of $6K which is down from a loss of $50K at the same time last year. EMS has seen a big improvement in the bottom line the last year and while volumes continue to decrease, expenses are being kept in check helping the overall bottom line.

Rose reported that EMS made over six thousand runs last year an averaged about 15 runs per day. She said they are also averaging 3 transports to Nashville per day as well. She did say there is some concern about waiting for transports while patients are receiving treatment at the medical center.

Rose said if two ambulances are out of the county they will wait until one of those return to the county before sending out another one. In doing so, there can be a wait time for these transports from the medical center to either Jackson or Nashville, but the patient is continuing to receive care here during the wait.

Installing New Storm Sewer Line on E. Blythe

Paris, Tenn.-At the urging of his fellow Paris Public Works' employees, Frankie Lamb (manning the trackhoe) waves to the photographer as crews continue to install a new storm sewer line on E. Blythe Street. Paris City Building Inspector Mike Brown said the line underneath the area where a trailer park was most recently located (between Blanton and Blakemore Streets) "had been compromised and we have to put in a new one." (Shannon McFarlin photo).